Is it haram to become communist or socialist?

**1234567890islam** · 08-01-2014

Communism is haram because it follows Marxist ideas and for me is very aggressive in practise when you follow what Stalin does, but I don't know if it is because in the 19-20th century the Wäisi movement was made and it does has good intentions, but is that haram or not advised. I found this on Wikipedia, just search "the waisi movement" on Google

So my questions are:
1.Is Communism haram (if you follow the Waisi movement)
2.Is Marxism haram?
3.Is Socialism haram?
4.Is it just better to share and give zakat?

thank you for listening

**Banu_Hashim** · 08-01-2014

There are certainly elements of Socialism and Communism that are compatible with Islam, such as equality and the critique of a hyper-capitalist society. But to take it as an ideology as a whole is problematic. I don't know too much about Socialism and Communism as political theories and their attitudes to religion, so I can't give you a definite answer.

But take the good and leave the bad, as was the way of our Prophet (sallalAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam).

**1234567890islam** · 08-01-2014

The Waisi movement adhered the Qur'an and Sharia, and didn't do service in the Kafir army (soviet russia was atheist, as is communism) and also didn't obtain the Russian pass with a double headed eagle.

To bring you up to scratch;
Communism is an extreme type of socialism which can overthrow a nation to bring a revolution. It follows Marxism and Atheism, and in it there is no such thing as 'private property' (house, items, etc) and all is shared. The Waisi movement which is gone i think follows all of the above but im not sure if it is haram although what it states isnt haram but it did support the soviet government

**'Abd-al Latif** · 08-01-2014

Socialism, communism and Marxism and pretty much all political movements are just that: they're political movements which are intended to serve as a law for people to follow.

It's quite tricky to answer your question but I'd say that all of these movements and ideologies are a result of non-Islamic social structures and therefore they don't apply to Muslims. For example, socialism aims to allow the community to have more economic balance and do away with the class system and capitalism. Does this apply to Muslims? No because the obligation of zakat upon every individual Muslim eliminates the chance of people there ever being a class divide.

The case is similar with all other isms, ideologies and movements. They've always uniquely been applied in the non-Islamic world.

**ardianto** · 08-02-2014

Originally Posted by Inquilaab

There are certainly elements of Socialism and Communism that are compatible with Islam, such as equality and the critique of a hyper-capitalist society.

Equality in Islam means everyone should be treated and respected equally regardless their social class. A Muslim is allowed to become rich through halal way, but his status of rich does not make him become elite who has privilege toward lesser people.

Equality in communism means everyone should become equal without social class. In communism someone not allowed to become rich.

Originally Posted by 1234567890islam

The Waisi movement adhered the Qur'an and Sharia, and didn't do service in the Kafir army (soviet russia was atheist, as is communism) and also didn't obtain the Russian pass with a double headed eagle.

To bring you up to scratch;
Communism is an extreme type of socialism which can overthrow a nation to bring a revolution. It follows Marxism and Atheism, and in it there is no such thing as 'private property' (house, items, etc) and all is shared. The Waisi movement which is gone i think follows all of the above but im not sure if it is haram although what it states isnt haram but it did support the soviet government

Russia had not become the Soviet Communist state when the Waisi Movement began in late of 19th century, but still under Tsar which supported by the Russian Orthodox Church.

I can't say that Waisi adopted conception which no such thing as private property like communism. And if later the Waisi follower supported communist in revolution. it's because Lenin saw the Waisi as a party that could be invited to work together to fight Tsar and Russian Orthodox Church. He promised support, and the Waisis supported him too. It's based on principle "Enemy of my enemy is my friend". So, it's not because Lenin supported Islam. But later after Stalin took the power, the Waisis began to persecuted and finally this movement gone.

**1234567890islam** · 08-04-2014

But if there were, let's say, a communist party working in the country I was living in and I was obliged to follow it, can I pay zakat to other people who are eligible to it (for example, people who are converting to Islam), or just believe in another type of communism where there is social class and I have to share out money?

**ardianto** · 08-04-2014

A Muslim may live in country that ruled by communist party, but he cannot become communist because ideologically, communism reject existence of God. If you lived in communist country, you must still being Muslim and perform your Islamic obligation, including pay zakat.

**1234567890islam** · 08-04-2014

Ok thanks, but what about the Waisi movement? I don't get that it has all the good intentions and removes bad intentions of communism but they also did believe in Allaah.

**1234567890islam** · 08-10-2014

I didn't get a reply to this and I am certain that Marxism is haram and looking into communism socialism, etc will distort my vision of Islam, but can I support it or just leave the bad and take in the good of communism, like still having social class but donating

**ardianto** · 08-10-2014

Due to lack of information I can't tell much about Waisi movement. But actually you still can be a Muslim who have good social care without become a communist. Start with treat everyone equally without distinguishing social class.